Samuel N. Bennerson 2nd Playground

New York City, with its towering skyscrapers and endless energy, often surprises locals with its hidden gems and vital community spaces. While Central Park rightfully holds the spotlight, smaller, neighborhood parks play an equally crucial role in providing recreation, relaxation, and a sense of community for residents. One such important local spot is the Samuel N. Bennerson 2nd Playground, located at 200 W 64th St, New York, NY 10023. More than just a collection of swings and slides, this park serves as a lively hub for active youngsters and people of all ages in the bustling Lincoln Square area of the Upper West Side.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of Samuel N. Bennerson 2nd Playground for New Yorkers, highlighting its essential features, accessibility, and why it remains a cherished and frequently used resource for families, athletes, and community members. We'll delve into the practicalities of using this neighborhood park, acknowledging its strengths and providing insights into its role in the daily lives of Upper West Siders. For those seeking a well-maintained space for play, exercise, or simply to enjoy the outdoors right in their neighborhood, Samuel N. Bennerson 2nd Playground is definitely worth knowing about.

Samuel N. Bennerson 2nd Playground is conveniently situated at 200 W 64th St, New York, NY 10023. This puts it squarely in the Upper West Side, specifically between Amsterdam Avenue and West End Avenue, adjacent to the New York City Housing Authority's Amsterdam Houses and near Lincoln Center. For New Yorkers, this is a highly accessible and central location within a vibrant residential and cultural neighborhood.

The park's address makes it incredibly easy to reach via public transportation, which is often the preferred method for many locals, as noted by a visitor who preferred public transport over driving due to limited parking. Multiple subway lines are within comfortable walking distance. The 1 train, with stops at 66th Street-Lincoln Center, provides direct access. Additionally, the A, B, C, D, and F/M trains are accessible from Columbus Circle (59th Street-Columbus Circle) or 57th Street, making the playground a convenient destination from almost any part of Manhattan and beyond. Bus routes along Amsterdam Avenue, Broadway, and Columbus Avenue further enhance accessibility.

For those residing in the immediate vicinity of the Upper West Side, the playground is a quick walk. Its integration into the street grid makes it a true neighborhood amenity, easily incorporated into daily routines. While vehicle parking in this dense urban area is indeed extremely limited and often expensive (as highlighted by a user mentioning "double parking"), the robust public transportation network makes the park a highly practical and stress-free destination for families and individuals alike. Its location near Lincoln Center means it's also a convenient stop for families visiting the cultural hub or for those looking for a play break before or after a performance.

Samuel N. Bennerson 2nd Playground, managed by NYC Parks, offers a range of public amenities designed to facilitate active play, community interaction, and comfort.

• Basketball Courts: The playground features excellent basketball courts, including at least one full-sized court, as confirmed by visitor reviews. These courts are a major draw, hosting tournaments and casual games, and are noted for being "very clean and well kept."
• Play Equipment: The park boasts modern and accessible play equipment for children of various ages and abilities. This includes ground-level play features, water-based play features (spray showers), ramps, and mobility transfer systems.
• Accessible Swings: Specifically, the playground offers accessible swings for children aged 5-12.
• Adult Fitness Area: There is an area designated for adult fitness equipment, allowing parents and guardians to exercise while their children play or for community members to engage in their own workouts.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms are available within the playground, a crucial amenity for families with children.
• Accessible Amenities: Beyond play equipment, the park features accessible drinking fountains, companion seating (with space for wheelchair users between benches), and benches with backs and armrests, enhancing comfort and inclusivity for all visitors.
• Inclusive Play Elements: The playground incorporates sensory-friendly spaces for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and multi-sensory play experiences (auditory, tactile, visual) for children with sensory impairments, highlighting a commitment to inclusive design.
• Spray Showers: Essential for cooling off during hot New York summers, the spray showers provide a fun and refreshing water play experience for children.
• Seating Areas: Various benches and seating options are available throughout the playground, providing comfortable spots for supervision, relaxation, and social interaction.

Samuel N. Bennerson 2nd Playground stands out in the Upper West Side for several key features that contribute to its value as a community space.

• Excellent Basketball Facilities: A major highlight, the well-maintained basketball courts are a significant draw for local athletes and community leagues, providing a vibrant hub for sports and recreation. One reviewer specifically noted the "excellent" courts.
• Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusivity: The playground's focus on accessible play elements, including ramps, mobility transfer systems, and sensory-friendly spaces, makes it a welcoming environment for children of all abilities. This is a crucial feature that sets it apart.
• Modern Play Equipment: The playground features updated and engaging play structures that cater to children of various age groups, ensuring a fun and stimulating environment.
• Community Hub for Amsterdam Houses: Being adjacent to the Amsterdam Houses, the playground serves as a vital recreational and social space for residents of the housing complex and the surrounding Upper West Side community. It fosters a sense of local connection.
• Strategic Midtown West Location: Despite its neighborhood feel, the playground benefits from being in Midtown West, offering easy access to cultural institutions like Lincoln Center, various dining options, and public transportation.
• Well-Maintained and Clean: Customer reviews frequently praise the park's cleanliness and "well kept" condition, reflecting the efforts of NYC Parks in maintaining the space.
• Dedicated to a Local Leader: The park is named in honor of Samuel N. Bennerson II (1923-1970), a local resident and organizer who advocated for youth recreational programs, adding a meaningful historical dimension to the space.

As a public park managed by NYC Parks, Samuel N. Bennerson 2nd Playground does not offer traditional "promotions" in the commercial sense. However, its value to the community comes from the free and accessible amenities it provides. For New Yorkers, the "special offers" are inherent in its public nature and the various free programs and events that often take place there.

• Free Access: The primary "promotion" is that the playground is completely free to use for all members of the public, making quality recreational facilities available to everyone regardless of income.
• Public Basketball Tournaments and Leagues: The excellent basketball courts are often utilized for free community tournaments and leagues organized by local sports groups or the NYC Parks Department, providing competitive and engaging opportunities for athletes of all ages.
• Community Events: Keep an eye on the NYC Parks official website or local community boards for free events, festivals, and activities that might be hosted at Samuel N. Bennerson 2nd Playground. These can include anything from family fun days to fitness workshops.
• "It's My Park" Day: NYC Parks regularly organizes "It's My Park" events where volunteers can join to help clean and beautify local parks. While not a direct "offer," it's a great way for locals to engage with their park and contribute to its upkeep.
• Youth Programs: Sometimes, local non-profits or community organizations offer free or low-cost youth programs and clinics that utilize the playground's facilities, particularly the basketball courts.

To stay informed about any events or programs happening at Samuel N. Bennerson 2nd Playground, residents should regularly check the official NYC Parks website, community board announcements (Community Board 7), and local Upper West Side news outlets or social media groups.

As Samuel N. Bennerson 2nd Playground is a public park, it falls under the purview of NYC Parks. There isn't a direct phone number specifically for the playground itself. For general inquiries about park facilities, rules, or to report issues, you would typically contact NYC Parks directly.

• Address: 200 W 64th St, New York, NY 10023, USA (The park is officially listed as W 64th St, between Amsterdam Ave and West End Ave).
• NYC Parks General Contact: For general inquiries, you can typically find contact information for the NYC Parks Department on their official website (nycgovparks.org). They have a general inquiry line and a 311 service for reporting issues.
• Community Board 7: For more localized information or community-specific concerns, contacting Manhattan Community Board 7, which covers this area, can also be helpful. Their contact details are available on the NYC.gov website.

It is always recommended to visit the official NYC Parks website for the most up-to-date information regarding park hours, facilities, and any public advisories.

Samuel N. Bennerson 2nd Playground is an indispensable part of the Upper West Side fabric, profoundly suitable for New Yorkers due to its role as a vibrant, accessible, and community-focused recreational space. It perfectly embodies the spirit of a neighborhood park in a dense urban environment.

Firstly, for families with children, particularly those residing in the surrounding Upper West Side and Amsterdam Houses, this playground is a daily necessity. Its modern, accessible play equipment, including ramps, sensory elements, and spray showers, ensures that children of all ages and abilities have a safe and engaging space to expend energy, socialize, and develop. The presence of restrooms further enhances its practicality for families, making it a go-to spot for impromptu playdates or after-school fun without extensive travel. The cleanliness and upkeep, as noted by residents, contribute significantly to a comfortable and worry-free experience for parents.

Secondly, the exceptional basketball courts serve as a major draw for local athletes and youth programs, fostering a strong sense of community and providing vital outlets for physical activity. For New Yorkers who play basketball, having such well-maintained public courts in their backyard is a tremendous asset. It's a place where neighbors connect, friendships are forged, and healthy competition thrives, contributing to the overall well-being of the area. The ability to watch a grandchild play in a tournament, as one reviewer mentioned, highlights its role in supporting local sports culture and family events.

Furthermore, the park's location, nestled between residential areas and cultural institutions like Lincoln Center, makes it a perfectly integrated urban amenity. It provides a convenient escape valve from the city's hustle, offering green space and recreational opportunities within easy walking distance or a short subway ride for anyone in the vicinity. While safety concerns can arise in any urban area (as alluded to in one review), the consistent presence of community members using the space often contributes to a general feeling of active oversight, and the ongoing efforts of NYC Parks and local community groups aim to ensure it remains a positive environment.

In conclusion, Samuel N. Bennerson 2nd Playground is more than just a public space; it's a vital community resource. It caters to the diverse needs of New Yorkers by providing free, accessible, and well-maintained facilities for children's play, adult fitness, and community sports, all within a highly convenient Upper West Side location. For residents, it's a cherished local spot that enhances daily life and fosters a sense of neighborhood belonging.

Samuel N. Bennerson 2nd Playground

200 W 64th St, New York, NY 10023, USA